Session Proposals

John Jacobson is an internationally recognized composer, author, and master educator whose musicals and choral works have been performed by millions of children worldwide. For more than four decades, he has inspired music teachers and students through his creative artistry, dynamic presentations, and unwavering commitment to quality music education.
A celebrated leader in the field, John has written and produced hundreds of resources for educators—from musicals and choral collections to instructional videos, movement resources, and professional-development materials that have empowered teachers in thousands of classrooms. His work has been published and distributed globally through major educational publishers and platforms.
Beyond his writing, John has directed and staged large-scale festival performances across the country, including ensembles in partnership with Walt Disney Productions and other major arts organizations. His productions have featured thousands of young performers and have been showcased in prominent national events such as NBC’s broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
John is widely regarded as a “teacher’s teacher”. His workshops are known for their energy, inspiration, and practical classroom relevance—drawing enthusiastic educators year after year. With an exceptional ability to combine movement, music, and motivation, he helps teachers rediscover joy and purpose in their work.
John is also the founder of America Sings!, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting young performers with meaningful service opportunities through music.
Today, he serves as President and Creative Content Designer of JJ & Me, Inc., in partnership with Musicplay, where he continues to create innovative musicals, songs, choreography, and teaching materials for a new generation of educators and students.

Step into the spotlight and bring the magic of musical theatre to your classroom! In this lively and inspiring session, John Jacobson will showcase a variety of engaging musicals and performance pieces designed specifically for elementary students. From heartwarming stories to high-energy numbers, discover repertoire that gets every student excited to sing, act, and shine on stage.

Explore how to successfully produce a musical from start to finish with practical strategies for teaching songs, staging scenes, and incorporating movement in developmentally appropriate ways. Learn how to work with accessible vocal lines, memorable melodies, and flexible casting to ensure every student has a meaningful role in the production.

In addition to full musicals, this session will highlight creative performance ideas, mini-shows, and classroom-ready pieces that can be adapted to fit any schedule, space, or level of experience. Whether you’re planning your first production or looking to refresh your program, you’ll leave with tools and inspiration to create a show-stopping experience for your students and audience alike.

Get ready to raise the curtain and discover how to make your next production a success—because it’s always showtime in the music room!

• Lower Elementary (Grades PreK-2)
• Upper Elementary/General Music (Grades 3-5)